I once spent the night in a haunted castle with professional ghost hunters. I’m not going to say that I actually saw anything, but weird things were definitely going on. Whether that was due to smoke and mirrors or actual ghosts, I will never know. However, that didn’t dampen my enthusiasm for haunted places and ghost stories.
Given Calvert County’s long history, it’s not surprising that there are several places here which are said to be haunted. Here are just a few. If you’re really interested in this topic, you might want to pick up a copy of The Big Book of Maryland Ghost Stories by Ed Okonowicz.
You may have heard of the Maidstone legend, which is one of the most well-known ghost stories in Calvert County. This mansion near Owings is said to be haunted by the spirit of the original owner’s daughter, Ann Chew, who died on her wedding day in 1724. She has allegedly been seen wearing her gray wedding gown with a long veil, so her ghost is known as “The Gray Lady.” For more information, check out this website: http://www.prairieghosts.com/maidstone.html
Did you know that spirits possibly roam around Drum Point Lighthouse? Strange, unexplained incidents have occurred there over the years and inside the Calvert Marine Museum. Some believe that the spirit of a young brunette woman haunts the lighthouse and watches over Chesapeake Bay.
Taney Place, a historic home off Adelina Road near Prince Frederick, is said to be haunted by the ghosts of Michael Taney and John Magruder. The two men got in a fight over a woman in the late 18th century. Taney stabbed Magruder, who died from his injuries a short time later. Legend has it that the spirits of both men can sometimes be seen under a cedar tree on the property.
Neeld Mansion, near Plum Point, is another site that’s said to be haunted. Some have claimed to hear the cries of a slave child (who was killed by the mistress of the house) and the screams of the child’s mother. It is also said that the spirit of a big black dog is seen on the premises. You can read more here: http://www.neeldestate.com/neeld_mansion.htm
If you have eaten at Adam’s Ribs in Prince Frederick, you may not have been aware that a murder took place on the site in 1980. At the time, it was known as the Rustic Farm Restaurant. The victim, a woman named Nancy, is thought to haunt the restaurant. Employees frequently report strange occurrences. In fact, the incidents at the restaurant grabbed the attention of the Smithsonian, which sent people out to check for signs of paranormal activity.
What ghost stories have you heard about Calvert County? Please share them in a comment below.
There are many haunted places in Calvert. I don’t want to give out addresses, but there is an old farm house on huntingtown road haunted by a woman and a farm in port republic haunted by several spirits.